Brigitte Murphy, a young Australian beauty pageant contestant, recently experienced a shocking transformation after a severe netball accident left her with facial injuries. Murphy, a veterinarian from Albury-Wodonga, is representing Victoria in the 2025 Miss Universe Australia competition. She was among the 30 finalists who traveled to Vietnam on May 11 for a swimwear photoshoot with renowned photographer Jarrad Seng.
However, a fortnight before the shoot, Murphy suffered a fall during a netball game, resulting in a bruised and scabbed face. She took to TikTok to share her ordeal, revealing a fractured tooth among her injuries. Murphy described the incident as the “worst possible case scenario,” excluding any injuries that could have hindered her mobility.
Murphy explained the accident, stating she was pushed while mid-air catching the ball, leaving her with barely any time to brace herself for the fall. Despite her efforts to protect herself, her cheek and eye grazed the court’s surface, and she fractured a tooth.
In the days following the accident, Murphy documented her healing process on TikTok. She expressed discomfort and difficulty sleeping due to the swelling around her eye. Despite her injuries, she remained optimistic, joking, “I mean, if you don’t laugh, you cry – right?”
With less than two weeks until her Miss Universe appearance in Vietnam, Murphy shared her concerns about her facial injuries. She sought medical advice and underwent a CT scan, which thankfully ruled out any facial fractures. A visit to the dentist also confirmed that her fractured tooth was not at risk of dying.
To aid her recovery, Murphy used a variety of treatments, including CeraVe Advanced Repair Balm, a cream for bruising, a Dr Dennis mask, and a clinical LED mask. She also applied ice to the wound throughout the day. Despite the stressful situation, Murphy tried to stay busy and positive.
Remarkably, within five days, Murphy’s injuries had significantly healed, leaving only a few red patches on her skin. She thanked her followers for their support and advice during her recovery.
Murphy later shared photos of herself in Vietnam on Instagram, looking radiant in a blood orange halter-neck mini dress, with no visible signs of her recent injuries. Her followers praised her resilience and complimented her stunning appearance.
In a TikTok video, Murphy shared her motivation for participating in the Miss Universe competition. Having experienced bullying as a teenager, she aims to advocate for mental health and challenge beauty stereotypes.